A rendering of a new 59-unit supportive housing complex on Nicol St., operated by Island Crisis Care Society. (submitted image)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

SHOVELS IN

‘Someone can go in, lock the door and know they’re safe:’ construction to begin on supportive housing complex in Nanaimo

Apr 7, 2021 | 5:01 PM

NANAIMO — Construction of a Nanaimo supportive housing complex represents a beacon of hope for people transitioning from life on the streets.

A supportive housing complex at 702 Nicol St. will see work begin next week with modular suites brought to the site and stacked to form a 59-unit complex. Fifty-two of the units will be studio-style with seven double-occupancy units for vulnerable women.

Violet Hayes, executive director of Island Crisis Care Society who will operate the site, told NanaimoNewsNOW the finished project will be a game-changer for those looking for a more stable life.

“To have that safe place where someone can go in, lock the door and know they’re safe, it’s huge. We just can’t speak more about how necessary it is.”

The project replaces and is a sizeable upgrade on Samaritan House, which operated at 355 Nicol St. under the ICCS banner for nearly 30 years.

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The new transitional housing facility will be a four-storey building and provide a range of services.

In addition to the 59 units, the building will have areas to help teach residents basic life skills like cooking and budgeting. Several wrap-around services providing meals, laundry and wellness supports will also be offered.

“Our dream has been for many years was to replace the old 107 year old building we were in and replace it with a much better building that we’ll be able to do a lot more programming and supporting of the women.”

The society recently moved out of Samaritan House on Nicol St. and into a temporary location on Prideaux St.

Hayes said the simple act of having a stable roof over your head can be a major shock for people coming off the street.

“I think of a woman we housed several years ago and she had been homeless since she was 14. When we found her housing and supports, for the first few nights it was difficult for her to sleep inside four walls, it’s just such a big adjustment for people.”

Construction is expected to wrap in the fall.

While certain areas of the building will be limited to women only, it will also house vulnerable men.

The site is owned by BC Housing, which also partnered with ICCS for the Orca Place housing complex opened in 2019.

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